Orientation of wave generating devices for generating plunging breakers in a pool

ABSTRACT

An orientation of wave generating devices is proposed that facilitates the creation of plunging breakers in a body of water. Water waves transform into plunging breakers under specific characteristics of water wave mechanics. Shoaling and refraction are specific processes of water wave mechanics that cause this transformation. By orientating two or more wave generating devices wherein the waves generated by these devices converge into one another, the refraction process of plunging breakers can be simulated. This orientation of wave generating devices therefore facilitates the creation of plunging breakers in a body of water. The plunging breaker can then be simulated in a manner favorable for surfing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS

The present invention is related to the following patents.

Pat. No. Publication Date Inventor Class 3,629,877 Dec. 28, 1971 Schuster 4/491 4,558,474 Dec. 17, 1985 Bastenhof 4/491 4,692,949 Sep. 15, 1987 Dunn 4/491 6,336,771 Jan. 8, 2002 Hill 405/79   6,729,799 May 4, 2004 Raike 405/79   6,738,992 May 25, 2004 Lochtefeld 4/491 6,912,738 Jul. 5, 2005 Black 4/491 6,920,651 Jul. 26, 2005 Roberts 4/491 6,928,670 Aug. 16, 2005 Lochtefeld 4/491 7,144,197 Dec. 5, 2006 Black 405/79  

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orientation of wave generating devices wherein the waves generated by the wave generating devices converge and create plunging breakers in a pool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wavepools are popular recreational features in many amusement parks throughout the world. These wave pools use a variety of methods to create waves. The majority of these wave pools use some type of pneumatic system coupled with pressurized caissons to generate waves. These wave generating devices are usually aligned along one wall of a pool. These devices then generate waves that propagate across the pool. While these waves travel across the pool they interact with the bottom of the pool and transform according to water wave mechanics.

The current paradigm in creating breaking waves in a pool is to consider shaping the bottom of the pool with a depth profile conducive for transforming water waves into the desirable breaking waveform. Breaking waves, such as the plunging breakers considered here, are witnessed in nature all the time. The manner in which these waves break is generally governed by the depth profile, herein referred to as the bathymetry, of the area where the waves break. At each locale the bathymetry causes specific shoaling and refraction to occur, transforming the wave into the desired breaking form. To replicate such breaking waves in a pool, the pool bathymetry needs to be specifically designed to replicate these naturally occurring bathymetries in order to recreate the desired waveforms.

Some attempts to recreate breaking waves in a pool have gone so far to create plunging breakers in a pool for surfing. The present invention proposes a new orientation of these wave generating devices that favor the creation of these plunging breakers. The orientation of the wave generating devices is conducive for simulating plunging breakers, regardless of the type of wave generating device. Again, the current paradigm to create these plunging breakers is to design a pool with a favorable bathymetry that allows for the proper shoaling and refraction to take place for such plunging breakers. The current invention uses the orientation of the wave generating devices to ‘force’ this refraction to take place.

There are very few wavepools in the world, if any, that effectively create waves that are suitable for surfing. Surfing in the context of this invention refers to the sport of riding waves using a floatation device. One aspect of surfing, that is especially unique to surfing, is riding plunging breakers. Plunging breakers are characterized by the crest of the wave curling over forward and impacting somewhere in the trough of the wave. This curling forward of the wave crest creates long hollow tubes wherein the surfer can actually stand under this curl while riding the wave. To date, there are no wave pools that create plunging breakers large enough for surfers to “ride inside the tube.”

Water waves transform into plunging breakers according to very specific mechanical properties of propagating water waves. A brief summary of the water wave mechanics pertinent to the present invention is presented. A full understanding of the water wave mechanics related to the formation of plunging breakers can be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

As wave crests propagate towards a shoreline, the friction builds between the fluid in the wave and the sea floor. This causes the wave form to slow down. This slowing down of the propagating wave form is called shoaling. As the wave crest propagates over a sea floor that is not of a constant depth, wherein the depth profile is complex, certain parts of the wave crest may slow down at different rates than other parts of the wave crest. As one part of the wave crest slows down, the adjacent part of the wave crest continues at the original speed. This variation of speed along the wave crest causes the wave crest to “bend.” This behavior is readily identifiable when looking at the wave crest from overhead. This bending of the wave crest is known as refraction.

The shoaling and refraction characteristics to transform water waves into plunging breakers are specific. For the most part, the bathymetry governs the shoaling and refraction that takes place, and therefore governs the formation of plunging breakers. Once plunging breakers are created, specific plunging breakers suitable for surfing can be created. Plunging breakers suitable for surfing are simply plunging breakers in which the entire wave crest does not break at the same time. A detailed knowledge of plunging breakers for surfing, as pertinent to this invention, is again left to those skilled in the art.

The majority of wavepool designs use a wave generating mechanism to create a water wave that propagates through the pool. The wave generating mechanisms are usually placed along one wall of the pool. From this single wall, waves are generated and propagate across the pool. The pool is designed to have a detailed bathymetry that has characteristics favorable for the waves to break. A detail description of such a wave pool is supplied by Black U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,197.

The present invention calls for a pool with favorable bathymetry; however the breaking nature of the wave is greatly enhanced by forcing the refraction to take place. This forced refraction is caused by the orientation of the wave generators. This invention proposes that the refraction required by a plunging breaker can be generated by orientating the wave generating devices in a configuration so that when they generate a wave, this wave combines with the other waves, to generate a waveform that has the characteristic refraction of plunging breakers. When these wave forms combine over a favorable bathymetry for plunging breakers, we expect to generate the desired plunging breaker. In essence, refraction is being manufactured by the orientation of the wave generating devices rather solely requiring the wave form propagate across a pool with favorable bathymetry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers specifically to the orientation of wave generating devices in a pool. The orientation of the wave generating devices causes the generated waveforms to combine with one another. This combining of waveforms greatly enhances the ability to generate plunging breakers. More specifically, the plunging breakers are created by forcing a good deal of refraction to occur. This forced refraction is created by combining the waves generated from wave generating devices placed at varying orientations along the pool walls. This invention assumes that such a wave generating devices do exist and that they can be constructed in a pool. Many variations of the present invention, within the scope of the claims stated, shall be apparent to those skilled in the art once the principles described herein are understood.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a body of water or pool that is constructed to contain wave generating devices. These wave generating devices are constructed or contained, on or in, two or more of the pool walls. Each wave generating device creates a wave that exits the generating area and propagates across the pool. The orientation of the wave generating devices forces the generated waves to collide or combine with one another shortly after being generated.

In the preferred embodiment, two of these generating devices are orientated along pool sides that are ninety degrees or normal to one another. The waves created by these generators combine somewhere relatively in front of the wave generators to create a plunging breaker that propagates across the pool. In the preferred embodiment, a third wave generator is placed along a third wall that runs forty five degrees to the other two walls, orientating this wave generator somewhere in the middle of the two wave generators normal to one another. When all three of the wave generators generate waves, the waves created by these generators combine somewhere relatively in front of the wave generators to create a plunging breaker that propagates across the pool.

Ideal plunging breakers for surfing have specific characteristics that are apparent to those skilled in the art. Plunging breakers for surfing require that the shoaling/refraction behavior of the wave cause it to break at an oblique angle to the shoreline. The ideal breaking angle for surfing waves to occur is around forty five degrees. This angle is commonly known as the peel angle. The need for the third wave generator orientated at forty five degrees is necessary to generate wave crests that break roughly forty five degrees to the shoreline, and is included in the preferred embodiment. Many variations of the wave generating device orientations can exist. Each of these orientations can thus create a range of peel angles. A forty five degree peel angle is stated by this invention as part of the preferred embodiment.

It is fully understood that an infinite number of wave types can be generated using the wave generating configuration of the preferred embodiment. By varying parameters such as the water depth of the pool, and the exact timing at which the wave generators create waves, a theoretical infinite variety of wave forms can be created. In the preferred embodiment with three sides of the pool containing wave generating devices, adequate plunging breakers for surfing can be generated. It shall also be duly stated that the orientation of the wave generating devices somewhat dictates the shape and construction of the pool itself. Notwithstanding, the preferred embodiment of such a pool is presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Photograph of a surfer riding inside the tube of a plunging breaker.

FIG. 2. Overhead view of wave crests approaching a shoreline. Shoaling and refraction are exhibited.

FIG. 3. Overhead view of two sets of wave crests approaching a shoreline with crests orientated ninety degrees and forty five degrees to the shoreline. The waves are combining to form higher peaks that can transform into plunging breakers.

FIG. 4. Perspective view of the preferred embodiment. The pool has three sides fitted with wave generating devices. Two sides normal to one another, and an intermediate side orientated forty five degrees to the other sides.

FIG. 5. Overhead view of the pool in FIG. 4 showing the orientation of the wave generating devices and the propagation direction of waves. The large arrows show the direction of wave propagation.

FIG. 6. Overhead view similar to FIG. 5 with a rendering of a plunging breaker.

FIG. 7. Perspective view similar to FIG. 4. with a rendering of a plunging breaker and a surfer “riding under the curl”.

FIG. 8: Perspective view similar to FIG. 7 with a rendering of a plunging breaker and a surfer “riding under the curl”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are provided to illustrate the plunging breaker (FIG. 1) and to illustrate briefly how these waves form according to shoaling and refraction (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are drawings of the preferred embodiment. The figures show a pool with three sides configured with wave generating devices. The wave generating devices are orientated so that the generated waves combine with one another.

Referring to FIG. 1, a photograph is shown of a surfer riding inside the tube of a plunging breaker. The plunging breaker 1A has a tube large enough for the surfer 1B to ride inside of it. This activity of “riding inside the tube” or “riding under the curl” is specifically unique to the sport of surfing. A major component of a pool for surfing is to generate plunging breakers suitable for surfing.

Referring to FIG. 2, an overhead view of wave crests approaching a shoreline is shown. The lighter shades (light blue to yellow) show wave crests, and the darker shades (blue) show wave troughs. This is a simple case where the wave crests 2A are propagating towards the shoreline 2B and the crests 2A are aligned parallel to the shoreline 2B. As the waves enter shallower water and interact with local depth contours and bathymetry (not visible in the picture), the waves begin to shoal and refract. The “bending” or refracting of the wave crests is exhibited by 2C. Under specific shoaling and refraction combinations, water waves will break as plunging breakers. Arrow 2D shows the direction of propagation of the water waves.

Referring to FIG. 3, an overhead view of two sets of wave crests approaching a shoreline with wave crests orientated ninety degrees 3A and wave crests orientated forty five degrees 3B to the shoreline are shown. Arrow 3D shows the direction of propagation of wave crests 3A. Arrow 3E shows the direction of propagation of wave crests 3B. In this figure the combining of wave crests 3A and 3B are creating the resultant wave crest 3C. This wave crest 3C has a bend in it. This bend is similar to the refraction 2C we see in FIG. 2. In this case the refraction of the resultant wave crest 3C is being “forced” by combining wave crests 3A and 3B. The resultant wave crest 3C can break as plunging breaker suitable to surfing under conditions similar to favorable shoaling and refraction characteristics of such plunging breakers.

Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The pool 4A has three sides configured with wave generating devices, sides 4B, 4C, and 4D. Two sides orientated normal to one another, sides 4B and 4D, are configured with wave generating devices. Side 4C is an intermediate side orientated forty five degrees to sides 4B and 4D. Side 4C is also configured with a wave generating device. The preferred embodiment of the present invention depicts a pool 4A shown to be configured with any type of pneumatic type wave generating device. Examples include Bastenhof U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,474 and Schuster U.S. Pat. No. 3,629,877. To reiterate and better elucidate the claims of the present invention it is stated that this invention refers to the ‘orientation’ of the wave generating devices rather than the type of wave generation devices themselves. An example of a pool with pneumatic wave generating devices is depicted by FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, an overhead view of the pool, similar to that of FIG. 4, shows the orientation of the wave generating devices 5A, 5B, and 5C. Propagation directions of generated waves are shown by the large arrows, respectively. It is illustrated that the waves generated by the wave generation devices located at 5A, 5B, and 5C, will combine in the pool. The waves generated by the wave generating devices 5A, 5B, and 5C combine to form plunging breakers.

Referring to FIG. 6, an overhead view of the pool, similar to that of FIG. 5, shows a rendering of a plunging breaker. This wave form is the result of combining three wave forms together from wave generating devices orientated along the sides of the pool 5A, 5B, and 5C as depicted in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view, similar to that of FIG. 4, shows a rendering of a plunging breaker 7B propagating in the pool and being ridden by a surfer 7A. The surfer 7A is “riding under the curl” of the plunging breaker 7B. The plunging breaker 7B was generated by combining three waves together. Combining these waves together forces refraction to occur. This forced refraction was achieved by generating waves from wave generating devices specifically orientated in the pool. The resulting plunging breaker 7B generated by the orientation of the wave generating devices is shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view, similar to FIG. 7, shows a rendering of a plunging breaker and a surfer “riding under the curl”. FIG. 8 is a zoom of FIG. 7 focusing on the surfer 8A and the plunging breaker 8B. 

1. An orientation of two or more wave generating devices each situated along the side of a body of water; so that when the wave generating devices generate waves, each of the individually generated waves combines with the other generated waves to form a plunging breaker.
 2. The said body of water in claim 1 is a pool.
 3. The said wave generating device of claim 1 is a means of generating waves in the said pool of claim
 2. 4. The said wave generating device of claim 3 generates propagating water waves.
 5. The said orientation of claim 1 of each said wave generating device of claim 3 generates said propagating waves of claim 4 that propagate across the said pool of claim
 2. 6. The said orientation of claim 5 of each said wave generating device of claim 3 is unique to each said wave generating device of claim 3 wherein the said propagating wave of claim 4 generated from each said wave generating device of claim 3 combines with the other said propagating waves of claim 4 generated from their respective said wave generating device of claim
 3. 7. The said propagating waves of claim 4 converge with one another to form the said plunging breaker of claim
 1. 8. The said plunging breaker of claim 1 is suitable for surfing. 